15 Most Competitive Careers Everyone Is Applying For

Getting hired is a challenging process. And if the position you want is one of the most competitive jobs in the market, it will be more challenging than you think.

When the number of applicants exceeds the number of available jobs, the competition for those jobs is fierce. There could be hundreds of job seekers for a few available jobs.

Today's competitive US job market requires the right mix of education, experience, and skills to stand out. Also, finding the right job can be much easier if you know how to set yourself apart from the competition. This article will list some of the most competitive careers in the US and what you can do to get them successfully.

Strategies to Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market

The most competitive job markets in the United States come from various industries. They range from the marketing industry to science and technology. Here are some of them:

1. IT Manager

Average Annual Salary: $141,076

The field of information technology holds some of the most competitive jobs in the market. Managing information technology is one of them. An IT manager is responsible for planning and overseeing computer and information systems within a company. They can work for both public and private organizations across various industries, with systems including computer software, hardware, and networks. The IT manager typically manages a team, evaluates the company's IT requirements, and develops and implements solutions to meet those requirements. To ensure that systems are always protected and up-to-date, they may make recommendations to key stakeholders and develop IT policies and security measures.

2. Technical Project Manager

Average Annual Salary: $103,459

Another competitive job in the IT industry, the technical project manager oversees and manages IT and other IT-related projects in an organization. A new software rollout or system upgrade could fall under their purview. These experts also establish the scope, schedule, and resources needed for the project and then monitor progress to ensure everything stays on track. In addition to determining team roles and responsibilities, the technical project manager can establish workflow processes and required deliverables.

3. Marketing Manager

Average Annual Salary: $116,592

A marketing manager supervises marketing directives in an organization. They develop marketing campaigns and initiatives focusing on promoting the company and attracting more clients. Marketing managers are also in charge of ensuring that campaigns adhere to the organization's values, vision, and mission, as well as upholding its reputation. They examine data and conduct market research to guarantee success or find ways to enhance their marketing initiatives. The ability to lead teams in the development of marketing strategies is one of the skills employees look for in this competitive field.

4. Product Marketing Manager

Average Annual Salary: $140,663

Just like the IT industry, the marketing industry also has some of the most competitive job markets in the US. A product marketing manager is another type of professional in this sector; this person is in charge of developing strategies for selling products. This competitive job generally oversees a sales and marketing team that creates promotional materials and campaigns to entice prospective and current customers. Some of the skills applicants need for this job include analyzing competitors and conducting market research to understand the market and customer needs. These abilities will help the team create compelling marketing campaigns. The product marketing manager may also track sales figures to determine the efficacy of current promotions.

5. Creative Manager

Average Annual Salary: $122,724

Creative managers are responsible for managing all aspects of creative development in an organization. They ensure that all visual elements, such as artwork, photography, writing, and layout, are produced and finished on time. They manage a team of creatives who create creative briefs and use design methodologies that meet the organization's business needs and timelines. Additionally, leadership and policymaking abilities are essential for creative managers to effectively implement standards and reinforce the organization's branding strategy and goals, making this a highly sought-after career.

6. Finance Manager

Average Annual Salary: $129,898

Generally, financial managers keep track of the fiscal condition of an organization. They advise other managers on how to maximize profits by analyzing data and managing related activities. People in this competitive job path must know how to create and present financial reports, supervise investment activities, and set financial objectives. They may also be responsible for managing a group of accountants who ensure that the business is in line with all applicable tax and regulatory requirements.

7. Procurement Manager

Average Annual Salary: $124,900

A procurement manager is in charge of the buying operations at a company. They aid in the creation of procurement plans and supply chains for necessary goods and services. These experts then follow up to ensure that all appropriate employees and external partners follow the rules. After determining what kinds of products or services the company requires, they investigate potential vendors and suppliers. A procurement manager's responsibilities also include maintaining rapport with suppliers and vendors and engaging in price negotiations and contract maintenance.

8. Supply Chain Manager

Average Annual Salary: $122,634

A supply chain manager is responsible for directing the operations of a company's supply chain. They aid in the entire management process, from ordering and planning to delivery and eventual disposal. These experts analyze and design supply chain strategies with the goal of reducing costs and increasing productivity. U.S. applicants who want to succeed in this competitive job market need strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to work effectively with suppliers, manufacturers, and delivery coordinators.

9. Senior Management Consultant

Average Annual Salary: $120,178

A senior management consultant is a seasoned expert who oversees other consultants in their efforts to help businesses address problems, increase growth, and enhance performance. They conduct company research to understand the organization better. Professionals in this field advise clients on how to enhance their operations and management. They conduct research or make observations to assess the situation before meeting with clients to discuss their needs. After determining the business challenges, they conduct an in-depth analysis of possible remedies and recommend solutions.

10. Software Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $183,470

Another one of the most competitive jobs in the IT field is that of a software engineer. It’s also a sought-after job in the future. Software engineers create software, programs, and other computer codes, taking into account user wants and needs. Typically, the software engineer writes the code to construct the software and communicates it to the programmers, who will be responsible for implementing and testing it. Their responsibilities often extend beyond initial development and into ongoing maintenance.

11. Data Engineer

Average Annual Salary: $115,631

Data engineers work in the field of information technology to create and maintain data analytics systems for businesses. They build and maintain databases that store vast amounts of data. Data engineers are also responsible for formulating methods of data acquisition, verification, cleaning, and analysis. Such processes and procedures are implemented in an organization with careful attention to data governance and security.

12. Data Scientist

Average Annual Salary: $143,232

A data scientist is an expert in information technology who uses statistical methods to study massive datasets. This is also one of the mst competitive job markets in the US. They employ technical expertise such as machine learning, statistics, algorithms, and more to collect, clean, and interpret data. Data scientists also look for trends and make predictions from the information gathered, presenting their findings to stakeholders in a clear and actionable format.

13. Medical Science Liaison

Average Annual Salary: $114,597

A medical science liaison's job is to educate the public about new medical innovations, medications, and therapies. These experts typically work in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industries and focus on treating a specific disease or therapeutic area. In hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies, medical science liaisons inform doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals about their services and products.

14. Pharmacist

Average Annual Salary: $149,508

Pharmacist positions are among the most in-demand in the medical industry. A pharmacist is a healthcare provider who dispenses drugs and handles inquiries about prescribed medication. They are frequently employed in pharmacies or drug stores, as well as hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Pharmacists check prescriptions to ensure they will not have any unfavorable effects on the patient's current medications or health. Patients and customers can seek their counsel on matters ranging from OTC drug selection to preventative care.

15. Patent Attorney

Average Annual Salary: $133,073

An attorney who specializes in patent law helps clients secure legal protection for their innovations. They specialize in intellectual property laws to protect their clients’ ideas and creations. They help clients through the patent process by drafting and filing patent applications and representing them in court if necessary.

How to Succeed in Acquiring the Most Competitive Jobs

Now that you know what some of the most highly sought-after careers are, how are you going to acquire them? Follow these tips to ensure your chances of success in your chosen career.

1. Have Patience

A job search in a competitive job market can take a long time, so be patient. Having patience is essential, as it can help you maintain your job search efforts. To keep a patient mind, you constantly remind yourself of the goals you want to accomplish. Celebrate small wins, such as submitting the resume on time or securing interviews. Additionally, building a network of fellow job-seekers can be a great source of encouragement and insight.

2. Gain Relevant Work Experience

Applying for the most competitive careers requires relevant work experience. If you don’t have any, it’ll be a difficult path. So, gain related work experience first before deciding which sought-after job you want to apply for. Do this by applying for internships, doing assistant work, or even applying for entry-level roles in the job you’re interested in. You can use these as a springboard to launch your career by gaining not only experience but also connections in the industry. Consequently, gradually update your resume with the experiences you’ve earned. If you are not sure how to write them, work with a reputable resume writing service to ensure your resume is up to date.

3. Upskill

You can choose to level up your skills in addition to gaining experience. Upskilling is a great advantage for anyone trying to change careers or advance in their chosen paths. Consider pursuing a certification, attending lectures, reading about the latest industry trends, or participating in a group discussion to accomplish this. Furthermore, you can advance your career by pursuing higher education, such as a master's or doctorate degree. And, before choosing a post-secondary program, weigh its pros and cons against your career goals.

4. Network

Even if you have the necessary experience and education, it can be difficult to stand out in today's competitive job market. That’s why it’s also crucial to build networks. Here’s how to network successfully in your chosen industry:

● Participate in networking events and interact with other participants

● Keep in touch with people by noting their contact details

● Join online community groups relevant to your job and career goals

5. Develop Your Leadership Abilities

It is not uncommon for employers to seek out potential hires who can demonstrate a track record of effective leadership. Fortunately, leadership skills can be learned and honed. You can do this by taking on additional responsibilities at work, serving as a mentor to an up-and-coming colleague, consulting with successful people in your field, enrolling in a leadership program, or reading up on the topic. When you improve your leadership abilities, you’ll have higher chances of getting the most competitive jobs you desire.

Prepare Yourself for the Most Competitive Jobs in the US Market

The most competitive jobs may be challenging to get, but they're not impossible to have. With proper knowledge, experience, and skillsets, any applicant can achieve whatever competitive career they want to pursue. So keep in mind the importance of standing out from the competition. Whether your expertise is in a competitive industry in your state or a position that’s expected to attract a growing number of applicants in the future, take every measure possible to make your resume stand out among the others.